Senior Project Officer

Department of Education and Training of Australia; Canberra; Hybrid; AUD 80,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

National Residue Survey in Canberra seeks a chemistry-focused professional to support the Residue Chemistry Laboratory Performance Evaluation (RC-LPE) Section. You will drive proficiency testing programs, helping ensure Australia's export and domestic food safety standards.

The role involves onsite work at the NRS PT laboratory with potential flexible arrangements where operations allow, and collaboration with industry, government partners and international bodies to maintain high testing

Qualifications

• An appropriate degree, preferably in chemistry, from an Australian tertiary institution.

Responsibilities

• Work onsite at the NRS PT laboratory and DAFF office.
• Assist with proficiency testing and evaluation activities to support export safety and quality assurance.

Education

Chemistry degree

Job description

Step into a high-impact role within the National Residue Survey's Residue Chemistry Laboratory Performance Evaluation (RC-LPE) Section. You will safeguard Australia’s agricultural reputation by driving laboratory performance evaluations and proficiency testing, which directly underpins the safety, compliance, and global trust essential to Australia's food export and domestic markets.

Why YOU are important to us and what impact will you have on the Exports & Veterinary Services Division and the departments’ goal.

We make sure Australian exports meet international standards through inspections, audits and certifications. Our work helps expand trade by negotiating technical access for food and other products. We also manage quotas under trade agreements and represent Australia in setting global food standards.

We oversee the export regulation of dairy, fish, eggs, organic goods and other specialty products. Working closely with industry, governments and international partners, we ensure Australia’s exports meet high standards. We also manage the National Residue Survey and drive reforms to keep our export systems strong, trusted and future-ready.

This is where you play an important role.

This position is in the Residue Chemistry - Laboratory Performance Evaluation (RC-LPE) Section of the National Residue Survey (NRS). The NRS manages chemical residue and environmental contaminant risks across Australian animal and plant products by facilitating routine residue testing and proficiency testing. RC-LPE provides regular, objective assessments of contract laboratory competency through performance evaluations and proficiency testing, directly supporting the core safety, compliance, and quality assurance objectives of Australia's agricultural residue testing programs.

The duties will include, but are not limited to the following:

Please note that the merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of eighteen months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Public Service Gazette, may also be used to fill future ongoing vacancies in the branch where the duties are of a similar nature.

Who we are looking for

Knowledge and experience

Skills and capabilities

Mandatory Qualifications

An appropriate degree, preferably in chemistry, from an Australian tertiary institution, or comparable overseas qualification.

Eligibility and other requirements

The successful candidate must:

This position is located in Canberra and involves work onsite at the NRS PT laboratory and the DAFF office, with the possibility of a flexible working arrangement including working from home where operational requirements allow.

VetPaths

The Australian Public Service (APS) values the unique skills, perspectives, and experiences that veterans gain during their Australian Defence Force (ADF) employment and encourage veterans to apply. Support may be available to veterans transitioning to meaningful APS careers through participation in VetPaths, which offers veterans an opportunity to participate in a six-month program offering formal learning and development, career mentoring and activities for wellness and peer support. More information can be found here .